Note: The following is a first-hand account from a senior margii, Ramshreya Prasad Srivastava of Narkatiya Ganj, West Champaron Dist (Bihar).

Namaskar,
In 1971, after my first son was born, we planned to host a baby naming ceremony at our house. After all, as an initiated and practicing Ananda Margii, I felt it was our family duty to follow the Ananda Marga system. So we set the date for the baby naming gathering and arranged for a local family acarya to perform the ceremony.

LOCAL VILLAGERS REFUSE TO ATTEND

I invited local villagers to the program. But they refused to attend as they thought my outlook and way of living was against the vedas and puranas. They felt I had turned my back on the traditions and rituals of the Karmakand (vedas ) and the Hindu religion. So they told me they would not attend.

Not only that, those villagers thought a very unfortunate and tragic episode would befall the child and / or my family because of my “sinful ways.” They predicted the Almighty would punish me. With that fear also they did not participate.

I told them, “This is my child and my family and if something happens then I will face consequences. But this is what I am going to do.”

I was determined to follow the AM system. By Baba’s grace the ceremony was performed and everything went quite smoothly.

TRAGEDY STRIKES

The next day we were sitting outside the house by the fire to warm ourselves. After some time my wife wanted to pass the baby to me. I was sitting directly opposite her – across the fire. She stood up and I stood and she started to hand the child to me.

Our infant was wrapped in a cloth and as my wife began to pass me the baby, suddenly the child fell from in between our arms directly onto the fire. The fire was burning with flames upwards of 2 ft high. The child started crying loudly and violently.

I was frozen, panic-stricken, and in shock. Temporarily I lost sight of what to do. In a moment, my senses returned and I readied to pull my dear baby from the burning flames.

Taking Baba’s name, I reached into the fire and grabbed my son, along with the cloth. I then did a quick check of him – expecting the worst. By Baba’s grace nothing happened – my boy was neither burned nor hurt from the fall. I just closed my eyes surrendering to Baba, knowing that He watches over everything.

Seeing my son saved from this life-threatening tragedy was most astonishing for my whole family and the entire village. Nobody could believe their eyes. They were incredulous – totally in awe of what had just transpired. Especially those villagers who had been watching directly and saw the incident first-hand.

My neighbor said, “Your Guru must have done something to save child.”

I replied, “It is Baba’s grace. He has blessed me with the inspiration to follow His commandments and it is His duty to save us from such a tragedy.”

Today my son is a strong and devoted margii.

REFLECTION

All in all it was quite a moving scene. Before that incident my family was opposed to Ananda Marga and after that my entire family took initiation and became devotees of Baba, Lord Shrii Shrii Anandamurtiji.

Everyone understood that everything happens according to the sweet will of Parama Purusa. What He wants, that happens. Without His permission nothing can happen.

Meaning: If His mind desires, when He wishes, anything can happen on this dusty earth – the impossible become possible.

DHARMA SAVES

According to Baba’s guideline, I tried to follow His teaching and by His grace the tragedy was averted. Actually, I did not have the strength to follow – He gave me the strength, so all credit goes to Baba.

Dharma rakśati rakśitah

Baba says, ““One who protects dharma is protected by dharma.” Dharma saves the dhármika [the upholder of dharma] in the material sphere, in the subtle sphere and in the causal sphere. When dharma saves people in the material sphere, they experience it before their very eyes, they hear it with their ears, they feel it with the tenderness of touch. When dharma helps them in the causal sphere, they experience it by loving Parama Puruśa with all the sweetness of their hearts. This feeling has no external expression. When dharma saves people in the subtle sphere, they experience it through deep reflection.” (Namah Shiváya Shántáya, Disc 11: Shivokti 11)

Namaskar,
Ramshreya

PRABHAT SAMGIITA

“Maner ma’jhe kon se ka’je a’cho balo na’…” (P.S. #2033)

Purport:

Baba, You are hiding in my mind. What do You go on doing there? You are sitting in the depths of my mind, and listening to all my thoughts. Nothing can remain hidden from You. Baba, it is impossible to hide anything from You — what a torture this is.

Your liila, Your divine play, is very vast– verily immeasurable like the infinite ocean. To understand Your divine liila is very difficult. When I go to measure the depth of Your liila, then my whole existence is lost. Only consciousness remains floating. By Your grace my mind becomes one with You. My “I feeling” gets lost.
Baba, if You do not want to get held, please tell me what You want. If I know Your desire, then I will change my desire and make it parallel to Your desire. What You like, that will be my desire. Baba, You are eternally hiding in my mind and heart. Nothing remains unknown to You…

O’ Parama Purusa, O’ Baba, You are the effulgence of my darkened abode; You are the effulgence of my dry heart. Baba, You are so gracious. You remove all darkness. That is why You are diipavali – the festival of light of my sorrowful night. You fill this world with Your divine light. [1]

Baba, Your tender and soft touch is like the gentle, cool ocean breeze in the heat of summer. Your divine expression is so comforting; Your loving voice is very charming. Baba, You know how to love. Baba, You just love me, You do not want anything in return; You do not receive anything. You only love.

Baba, this universe is the direct expression of Your beauty. You are smiling continuously. [2] Everything is Your form in different shapes and colors. It is nothing but You. You are all around me. You remove all worries and sufferings; You fill everything with tune and melody. And You play Your divine, melodious flute. Baba, You never receive or get anything. You give everything and light my life with effulgence.

Baba, You are so gracious; You fill my heart with devotion…

NOTES FOR PRABHAT SAMGIITA #640:

[1] The first stanza has great meaning and symbolism. Darkness refers to the problems in life and lack of spiritual feeling. Abode means one’s heart or existence. And diipavali or effulgence is the solution to all problems and taking shelter in Him. So in this stanza, the sadhaka was facing terrible problems and undergoing much suffering, i.e. a dark sorrowful night. With the grace of Parama Purusa, all that suffering vanishes and life becomes wonderful, blissful. That is what is meant by diipavali.

Here the whole idea is that without being linked with Ista, life is dark. People are surrounded by problems and they do not know what to do. They remain in misery and get terribly confused. When Parama Purusa showers His grace, one realises that they are not alone. With the sweet presence of Parama Purusa in their heart, all their problems are resolved. They feel that life is meaningful and blissful. This song reflects this idea.

Finally, we all know that one should not read or listen to Prabghat Samgiita in a literal manner. The concept of diipavali is symbolic, not something physical.

[2] The first line of the third stanza – “Toma’r ru’pe bhara’ jagat ha’sache avirata” – indicates that the beauty of this creation is nothing but the direct expression of His unending smile. In this way the sadhaka sees everything – birds, flowers, volcanoes, clouds, rivers, valleys, indeed everything – as the ongoing, eternal expression of Parama Purusa. In all directions and in all ways, one sees His smile in the various forms of this created universe.

== WHY ONE MANTRA ==

Namaskar,
Someone recently inquired, “Why is it that only one mantra is used in all the AM social functions? From baby naming to house blessing, from marriage ceremony to tree planting to death ceremony, always the same mantra is used. Why?”

Note: As most of you well know, the mantra being referred to here is “Omn madhu va’ta’ rtaya’te…”.

A discussion group was held and offered the following reply. Please add your points as well.

THE MANY REASONS WHY WE USE ONE MANTRA

FOR ALL ANANDA MARGA SOCIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Accessible to All: Our Ananda Marga social functions must be accessible to all. The common people should not be intimidated by or overwhelmed by our various social functions. By having one mantra for all occasions, it will be quite simple for people to learn and they can perform the ceremonies themselves. That is Baba’s expressed intention.

We do not believe in a priest class (priestocracy) where they are looked upon as more respected, dominant figures in society. We see everyone as equals on the existential plane where there is no feeling of superiority by priests nor feeling of inferiority by family people.

Where there is one mantra for all AM ceremonies, then every family person can easily learn it and there is no scope for feeling inferior or intimidated by priests who have thousands of secret mantras and shlokas and chants. That is what happens in the various religions.

In AM though, we have one mantra and all can learn it easily and perform the social ceremonies as needed.

2. Importance of Participation: There is a tremendous difference between being an active participant and a passive observe. There is a huge psychological difference. When one is an active participant they feel an emotional link and deep connection, whereas if one is a mere observer one does not feel part of what is going on.

For instance, if there is a feast, then those involved in the feast feel complete connection or oneness with that activity as they are talking, eating and drinking with those present. They are participating fully. In contrast, those who are watching that feast from the outside feel alienated as they have not been invited to attend.

When family margiis are active participants in our AM ceremonies then naturally they will feel more connected to those programs and our AM society. If one were to just always watch the priest lead the program – as happens in the various religions – then people feel like they have nothing to do with the ceremony. They are just “in the audience”.

When people actively participate then a greater bond is created.

3. Emotional Link in Society: When people actively participate in social ceremonies then that creates an emotional and familial link between members of society. Baba provides this following example tio demonstrate this fact.

Baba says, “Játakarma is the first step in raising the social life in the light of this great ideal. Its aim is to give social recognition to the new born. Anyone present in the ceremony may actively participate, because according to Ananda Marga any social duty is a combined responsibility of all men belonging to the Samája. In this occasion no covering of the child has been prescribed so that such a fine picture of the occasion may be stamped in the minds of those present in the ceremony, as will not fade even when the child will be full-grown. In later years, when the child will come to him dressed as a gentleman, he will look on him as the self-same child of the past Játakarma ceremony and not as a gentleman of the present day and will express signs of tenderness and responsibility in his dealings. The fact that he had taken oath regarding the child will rise afresh in his mind. When the child also, thus dressed as a gentleman, will learn that he is one among those who took part in his Játakarma ceremony, he will respect and regard him as a father and this will result in a sweet social relation.” (Táttvika Diipiká, Caturtha Parva)

Here the whole point is that by actively participating in the ja’takarma ceremony, one is involved in welcoming this baby as bonafide member of society. People feel connected and linked with one another. And that lasts a lifetime as Baba states in His above teaching.

Unfortunately this feeling is lacking in today’s materialistic society where people remain selfish. People do now feel connected to one another nor do they want to help each other.

In AM, we see one and all as part of our universal human family. Participating in AM social functions reinforces this idea. Naturally then there is a feeling of respect and good-will and service mentality towards all.

When there is one mantra for all AM social ceremonies, then naturally it is very easy to participate fully and hence strengthen the bond and connection from one person to the next.

4. Why Sanskrit: The question might arise that why should the one mantra for our social ceremonies be in Sanskrit. Well, most of the world’s languages are connected with Sanskrit. Sanskrit is the grandmother of so many languages of so many regions of the world. To know more about this please consult Baba’s philology discourses. Of course one of the great benefits of having the mantra in Sanskrit or any single language is that when margiis from across the globe with different mother tongues get together, then they can participate in the programs collectively. It is a point of commonality and bonding.

5. Why This Particular Mantra: After understanding in AM why we have only one mantra for all social ceremonies, one might question why this particular mantra is used and not any another.

The answer is quite straight-forward. The meaning of the Omn Madhu mantra is very sweet where we see the bright side of life. The mantra perfectly embodies the path of bliss as it gives a positive touch to everything. Even in seemingly negative events we goad the mind toward spirituality. It is our unique outlook in life to always see the Supreme Veracity. This Omn madhu mantra enables this to happen, regardless of the social ceremony. More about this is written below.

“OMN MADHU…”

In Ananda Marga, at each and every function the same mantra resounds.

When anybody dies, this mantra is used in Shra’ddha ceremony:

“Onm madhu va’ta’ rta’yate madhu ks’arantu sindhavah…”

And in marriage, that same mantra is used;

“Onm madhu va’ta’ rta’yate madhu ks’arantu sindhavah…”

And for the house blessing ceremony, again the same mantra comes.

“Onm madhu va’ta’ rta’yate madhu ks’arantu sindhavah…”

And for the baby naming ceremony, as well as for the tree planting ceremony, the same mantra again is used.

So this “Onm madhu..” mantra is the common mantra which is usually used in all kinds of AM social functions.

AM IS DHARMA, AND DHARMA IS FOR ALL

Ananda Marga is dharma, and dharma is universal. It is for all types of people, from the people of the desert up to the North Pole, tropical countries and cold countries, everywhere. Irrespective of the environment, race, or language, Ananda Marga is suited for everyone.

Baba has made everything in a concise way.

The reason is that this way everyone – literate and illiterate – can understand and practice His guidelines. Because dharma is for all.

The practice of dharma should not be complicated. So the rules of Ananda Marga philosophy are rational, simple rules which are quite easy to follow. And the reason for this is that they are natural.

Why natural? Because to do something natural is very easy, and needs little effort. Speaking satya is quite natural. Children, animals, and plants never speak a lie. Speaking satya is not at all difficult or complicated. But telling a lie is very difficult. To say one lie, one has to create 100 more lies, in order to hide. So that is a tricky job.

Here the main point is that natural things are easy to manage and do. Dharma is natural which means it is easy to follow. As AM is the expression of dharma, it makes sense that AM rules are natural and easy to follow.

These days however, the social vibration is negative. Many people are unfortunately, negatively attracted and addicted to pseudoculture. And that’s why people think that the rules of Ananda Marga are difficult. But according to Baba it’s not difficult. Never. That’s why the name of these collected rules is Ananda Marga, Path of Bliss.

Because Ananda Marga is for all, that’s why Baba has made one common shloka for all the functions.

AM = PATH OF BLISS

Here is another very key point. Our AM philosophical approach is that life is not full of misery but full of ananda. That’s why Baba uses this “Onm Madhu” mantra. Because in AM everything is blissful. Child-naming and marriage ceremonies are blissful, blissful, and blissful. Even in death we see the bright side and never lose sight of the spiritual goal.

After death also, one never gets lost in a black hole. Rather, our connection with Parama Purusa is eternal. This human life is one part-life, part of the big chain of the full and complete life. It goes on and on, life after life, until the final goal is reached.

This point Baba has discussed at length in the discourse “Khan’d’a Jiivan o Pu’rn’ Jiivan”, which can be found in AV-22.

Ultimately then everything is blissful in the life of sadhakas. And that’s why Baba has chosen this mantra, “Onm Madhu…”.

This idea has also been expressed in the following manner:

“Anandaddhyeva khalvima’ni bhuta’ni ja’yante…”

Baba says. “Out of Anandam or Supreme Bliss, this universe of created beings has emerged. They are living in the midst of Anandam. And finally they will merge again in Supreme Bliss.” (AV-6, p.65)

RIGHT MANTRA, RIGHT SPIRIT

The sense is that, everything is blissful. Everything comes from bliss and will go into bliss. And the life of devotees is therefore blissful.

In the above teaching Baba is telling this eternal truth that the life of the devotee is always blissful. That’s why this “Onm Madhu…” mantra has been selected for all kinds of functions. Because this is a unique mantra, which carries the true feeling of Ananda Marga…the Path of Bliss.

This is a unique quality in AM that our each and every expression is blissful. It may be the children’s birth, or it may be the death of someone. In all the cases irrespective of whether shra’ddha ceremony or marriage ceremony, always we chant kiirtan and dance, do dharmacakra in all these functions. And raise the “Parama Pita Baba Ki Jai!” slogan, and use this blissful mantra. We see the positive side and bright side of everything.

More Points: There are countless reasons why we have only one mantra for our social ceremonies – some of which have been outlined and expanded upon below. But really there are too many points to bring in this one letter. I do not want to make it too bulky.

Please share your opinions and thoughts.

Baba says, “It [i.e. the Omn Madhu mantra] is a hymn of peace and hence can be chanted equally on all occasions.” (Táttvika Diipiká, Caturtha Parva)

Namaskar,
Giriish

Note 1: THE NAMING OF ANANDA MARGA

When Baba gave the name Ananda Marga, at that time one simple margii expressed his opinion and began telling that “Although the name is Ananda Marga, but it is very tough. Ananda is not there.” That is what the margii said that day.

Hearing this statement from the margii, Baba felt distinctly uncomfortable. He took it in such a way as if somebody created nuisance in the serene atmosphere, environment.

So everyone should think about this. Ananda Marga is the Path of Bliss. For those who are thinking it is difficult, they may not be following it wholeheartedly.

Note 2: OUR AM VERSUS THE DOGMATIC RELIGIONS

In all the various religions, due to dogma there are sad ceremonies.

Muslims beat their chest to the point of bleeding during the sad Muslim ceremony of Moharrum. Muslims show their grief for what occurred hundreds of years earlier.

In Christianity, they also have many sad ceremonies and events. The cross itself is a symbol of deep sadness. Christians feel tremendous guilt and sadness at the thought that Christ died on the cross for their sins.

But in Ananda Marga, there is nothing sad. Because, AM is dharma and we feel that this whole universe is born of our His bliss. This is not a religion where the dogma of sadness is king. Rather we adhere to the path of bliss.

Note 3: AM = PATH OF BLISS (Part II)

In AM there are all sorts of festivals, and all are blissful.

Baba says, “People often feel bored with their humdrum lives, with their mechanical routines; thus a fresh start must be created through festivals or utsava…so utsava means “an occasion which gives human beings fresh inspiration to live a new life.” (AFPS-5, p.18)

Baba says, “When people become tired and uninspired, when they can no longer look towards the future with hope, when their colourful dreams are shattered, at that time the sweetness of a festival brings new joy and vigour in life. Thus in individual and collective life, the importance of festivals is tremendous. One should always remember that festivals should be such that all can take part in them without any ostentatious display of wealth, and with an upsurge of their life force. And these festivals should be conducted in such a way that people take part in them from a spontaneous inner urge. I hope that you will make such arrangements so that all are attracted towards your festivals which will be more and more charming — and this will bring about your collective welfare.” (FPS-5, p.18)

So in AM, people participate in all kinds of blissful utsava or ceremonies. Now compare this with the religions where they have various sad events. But in Ananda Marga nothing is sad. Rather, everything is blissful.

Note 4: ALWAYS IN BLISS

When experiencing supposed pain or pleasure, devotees always feel bliss. Bhaktas do not feel any difference between the person who is inflicting pain or who gives pleasure to them. This is exquisitely described in the discourse, “Devotion–The Only Path”, in Ananda Vacanamrtam (Part-5).

********************************
Equal Glamour

Baba says, “People of a particular country die of starvation, and people of another country die due to overeating due to voracity. It is a disparity — it is bad. It is a creation of selfish people, not of Parama Purus’a. The Renaissance movement will have to do something concrete in this respect also. All are equal, with equal glamour as human beings.” (PNS-9, p.43)
********************************

O’ Parama Purusa, O’ Baba, You are the effulgence of my darkened abode; You are the effulgence of my dry heart. Baba, You are so gracious. You remove all darkness. That is why You are diipavali – the festival of light of my sorrowful night. You fill this world with Your divine light. [1]

Baba, Your tender and soft touch is like the gentle, cool ocean breeze in the heat of summer. Your divine expression is so comforting; Your loving voice is very charming. Baba, You know how to love. Baba, You just love me, You do not want anything in return; You do not receive anything. You only love.

Baba, this universe is the direct expression of Your beauty. You are smiling continuously. [2] Everything is Your form in different shapes and colors. It is nothing but You. You are all around me. You remove all worries and sufferings; You fill everything with tune and melody. And You play Your divine, melodious flute. Baba, You never receive or get anything. You give everything and light my life with effulgence.

Baba, You are so gracious; You fill my heart with devotion…

NOTES FOR PRABHAT SAMGIITA #640:

[1] The first stanza has great meaning and symbolism. Darkness refers to the problems in life and lack of spiritual feeling. Abode means one’s heart or existence. And diipavali or effulgence is the solution to all problems and taking shelter in Him. So in this stanza, the sadhaka was facing terrible problems and undergoing much suffering, i.e. a dark sorrowful night. With the grace of Parama Purusa, all that suffering vanishes and life becomes wonderful, blissful. That is what is meant by diipavali.

Here the whole idea is that without being linked with Ista, life is dark. People are surrounded by problems and they do not know what to do. They remain in misery and get terribly confused. When Parama Purusa showers His grace, one realises that they are not alone. With the sweet presence of Parama Purusa in their heart, all their problems are resolved. They feel that life is meaningful and blissful. This song reflects this idea.

Finally, we all know that one should not read or listen to Prabghat Samgiita in a literal manner. The concept of diipavali is symbolic, not something physical.

[2] The first line of the third stanza – “Toma’r ru’pe bhara’ jagat ha’sache avirata” – indicates that the beauty of this creation is nothing but the direct expression of His unending smile. In this way the sadhaka sees everything – birds, flowers, volcanoes, clouds, rivers, valleys, indeed everything – as the ongoing, eternal expression of Parama Purusa. In all directions and in all ways, one sees His smile in the various forms of this created universe.

== WHY ONE MANTRA ==

Namaskar,
Someone recently inquired, “Why is it that only one mantra is used in all the AM social functions? From baby naming to house blessing, from marriage ceremony to tree planting to death ceremony, always the same mantra is used. Why?”

Note: As most of you well know, the mantra being referred to here is “Omn madhu va’ta’ rtaya’te…”.

A discussion group was held and offered the following reply. Please add your points as well.

THE MANY REASONS WHY WE USE ONE MANTRA

FOR ALL ANANDA MARGA SOCIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Accessible to All: Our Ananda Marga social functions must be accessible to all. The common people should not be intimidated by or overwhelmed by our various social functions. By having one mantra for all occasions, it will be quite simple for people to learn and they can perform the ceremonies themselves. That is Baba’s expressed intention.

We do not believe in a priest class (priestocracy) where they are looked upon as more respected, dominant figures in society. We see everyone as equals on the existential plane where there is no feeling of superiority by priests nor feeling of inferiority by family people.

Where there is one mantra for all AM ceremonies, then every family person can easily learn it and there is no scope for feeling inferior or intimidated by priests who have thousands of secret mantras and shlokas and chants. That is what happens in the various religions.

In AM though, we have one mantra and all can learn it easily and perform the social ceremonies as needed.

2. Importance of Participation: There is a tremendous difference between being an active participant and a passive observe. There is a huge psychological difference. When one is an active participant they feel an emotional link and deep connection, whereas if one is a mere observer one does not feel part of what is going on.

For instance, if there is a feast, then those involved in the feast feel complete connection or oneness with that activity as they are talking, eating and drinking with those present. They are participating fully. In contrast, those who are watching that feast from the outside feel alienated as they have not been invited to attend.

When family margiis are active participants in our AM ceremonies then naturally they will feel more connected to those programs and our AM society. If one were to just always watch the priest lead the program – as happens in the various religions – then people feel like they have nothing to do with the ceremony. They are just “in the audience”.

When people actively participate then a greater bond is created.

3. Emotional Link in Society: When people actively participate in social ceremonies then that creates an emotional and familial link between members of society. Baba provides this following example tio demonstrate this fact.

Baba says, “Játakarma is the first step in raising the social life in the light of this great ideal. Its aim is to give social recognition to the new born. Anyone present in the ceremony may actively participate, because according to Ananda Marga any social duty is a combined responsibility of all men belonging to the Samája. In this occasion no covering of the child has been prescribed so that such a fine picture of the occasion may be stamped in the minds of those present in the ceremony, as will not fade even when the child will be full-grown. In later years, when the child will come to him dressed as a gentleman, he will look on him as the self-same child of the past Játakarma ceremony and not as a gentleman of the present day and will express signs of tenderness and responsibility in his dealings. The fact that he had taken oath regarding the child will rise afresh in his mind. When the child also, thus dressed as a gentleman, will learn that he is one among those who took part in his Játakarma ceremony, he will respect and regard him as a father and this will result in a sweet social relation.” (Táttvika Diipiká, Caturtha Parva)

Here the whole point is that by actively participating in the ja’takarma ceremony, one is involved in welcoming this baby as bonafide member of society. People feel connected and linked with one another. And that lasts a lifetime as Baba states in His above teaching.

Unfortunately this feeling is lacking in today’s materialistic society where people remain selfish. People do now feel connected to one another nor do they want to help each other.

In AM, we see one and all as part of our universal human family. Participating in AM social functions reinforces this idea. Naturally then there is a feeling of respect and good-will and service mentality towards all.

When there is one mantra for all AM social ceremonies, then naturally it is very easy to participate fully and hence strengthen the bond and connection from one person to the next.

4. Why Sanskrit: The question might arise that why should the one mantra for our social ceremonies be in Sanskrit. Well, most of the world’s languages are connected with Sanskrit. Sanskrit is the grandmother of so many languages of so many regions of the world. To know more about this please consult Baba’s philology discourses. Of course one of the great benefits of having the mantra in Sanskrit or any single language is that when margiis from across the globe with different mother tongues get together, then they can participate in the programs collectively. It is a point of commonality and bonding.

5. Why This Particular Mantra: After understanding in AM why we have only one mantra for all social ceremonies, one might question why this particular mantra is used and not any another.

The answer is quite straight-forward. The meaning of the Omn Madhu mantra is very sweet where we see the bright side of life. The mantra perfectly embodies the path of bliss as it gives a positive touch to everything. Even in seemingly negative events we goad the mind toward spirituality. It is our unique outlook in life to always see the Supreme Veracity. This Omn madhu mantra enables this to happen, regardless of the social ceremony. More about this is written below.

“OMN MADHU…”

In Ananda Marga, at each and every function the same mantra resounds.

When anybody dies, this mantra is used in Shra’ddha ceremony:

“Onm madhu va’ta’ rta’yate madhu ks’arantu sindhavah…”

And in marriage, that same mantra is used;

“Onm madhu va’ta’ rta’yate madhu ks’arantu sindhavah…”

And for the house blessing ceremony, again the same mantra comes.

“Onm madhu va’ta’ rta’yate madhu ks’arantu sindhavah…”

And for the baby naming ceremony, as well as for the tree planting ceremony, the same mantra again is used.

So this “Onm madhu..” mantra is the common mantra which is usually used in all kinds of AM social functions.

AM IS DHARMA, AND DHARMA IS FOR ALL

Ananda Marga is dharma, and dharma is universal. It is for all types of people, from the people of the desert up to the North Pole, tropical countries and cold countries, everywhere. Irrespective of the environment, race, or language, Ananda Marga is suited for everyone.

Baba has made everything in a concise way.

The reason is that this way everyone – literate and illiterate – can understand and practice His guidelines. Because dharma is for all.

The practice of dharma should not be complicated. So the rules of Ananda Marga philosophy are rational, simple rules which are quite easy to follow. And the reason for this is that they are natural.

Why natural? Because to do something natural is very easy, and needs little effort. Speaking satya is quite natural. Children, animals, and plants never speak a lie. Speaking satya is not at all difficult or complicated. But telling a lie is very difficult. To say one lie, one has to create 100 more lies, in order to hide. So that is a tricky job.

Here the main point is that natural things are easy to manage and do. Dharma is natural which means it is easy to follow. As AM is the expression of dharma, it makes sense that AM rules are natural and easy to follow.

These days however, the social vibration is negative. Many people are unfortunately, negatively attracted and addicted to pseudoculture. And that’s why people think that the rules of Ananda Marga are difficult. But according to Baba it’s not difficult. Never. That’s why the name of these collected rules is Ananda Marga, Path of Bliss.

Because Ananda Marga is for all, that’s why Baba has made one common shloka for all the functions.

AM = PATH OF BLISS

Here is another very key point. Our AM philosophical approach is that life is not full of misery but full of ananda. That’s why Baba uses this “Onm Madhu” mantra. Because in AM everything is blissful. Child-naming and marriage ceremonies are blissful, blissful, and blissful. Even in death we see the bright side and never lose sight of the spiritual goal.

After death also, one never gets lost in a black hole. Rather, our connection with Parama Purusa is eternal. This human life is one part-life, part of the big chain of the full and complete life. It goes on and on, life after life, until the final goal is reached.

This point Baba has discussed at length in the discourse “Khan’d’a Jiivan o Pu’rn’ Jiivan”, which can be found in AV-22.

Ultimately then everything is blissful in the life of sadhakas. And that’s why Baba has chosen this mantra, “Onm Madhu…”.

This idea has also been expressed in the following manner:

“Anandaddhyeva khalvima’ni bhuta’ni ja’yante…”

Baba says. “Out of Anandam or Supreme Bliss, this universe of created beings has emerged. They are living in the midst of Anandam. And finally they will merge again in Supreme Bliss.” (AV-6, p.65)

RIGHT MANTRA, RIGHT SPIRIT

The sense is that, everything is blissful. Everything comes from bliss and will go into bliss. And the life of devotees is therefore blissful.

In the above teaching Baba is telling this eternal truth that the life of the devotee is always blissful. That’s why this “Onm Madhu…” mantra has been selected for all kinds of functions. Because this is a unique mantra, which carries the true feeling of Ananda Marga…the Path of Bliss.

This is a unique quality in AM that our each and every expression is blissful. It may be the children’s birth, or it may be the death of someone. In all the cases irrespective of whether shra’ddha ceremony or marriage ceremony, always we chant kiirtan and dance, do dharmacakra in all these functions. And raise the “Parama Pita Baba Ki Jai!” slogan, and use this blissful mantra. We see the positive side and bright side of everything.

More Points: There are countless reasons why we have only one mantra for our social ceremonies – some of which have been outlined and expanded upon below. But really there are too many points to bring in this one letter. I do not want to make it too bulky.

Please share your opinions and thoughts.

Baba says, “It [i.e. the Omn Madhu mantra] is a hymn of peace and hence can be chanted equally on all occasions.” (Táttvika Diipiká, Caturtha Parva)

Namaskar,
Giriish

Note 1: THE NAMING OF ANANDA MARGA

When Baba gave the name Ananda Marga, at that time one simple margii expressed his opinion and began telling that “Although the name is Ananda Marga, but it is very tough. Ananda is not there.” That is what the margii said that day.

Hearing this statement from the margii, Baba felt distinctly uncomfortable. He took it in such a way as if somebody created nuisance in the serene atmosphere, environment.

So everyone should think about this. Ananda Marga is the Path of Bliss. For those who are thinking it is difficult, they may not be following it wholeheartedly.

Note 2: OUR AM VERSUS THE DOGMATIC RELIGIONS

In all the various religions, due to dogma there are sad ceremonies.

Muslims beat their chest to the point of bleeding during the sad Muslim ceremony of Moharrum. Muslims show their grief for what occurred hundreds of years earlier.

In Christianity, they also have many sad ceremonies and events. The cross itself is a symbol of deep sadness. Christians feel tremendous guilt and sadness at the thought that Christ died on the cross for their sins.

But in Ananda Marga, there is nothing sad. Because, AM is dharma and we feel that this whole universe is born of our His bliss. This is not a religion where the dogma of sadness is king. Rather we adhere to the path of bliss.

Note 3: AM = PATH OF BLISS (Part II)

In AM there are all sorts of festivals, and all are blissful.

Baba says, “People often feel bored with their humdrum lives, with their mechanical routines; thus a fresh start must be created through festivals or utsava…so utsava means “an occasion which gives human beings fresh inspiration to live a new life.” (AFPS-5, p.18)

Baba says, “When people become tired and uninspired, when they can no longer look towards the future with hope, when their colourful dreams are shattered, at that time the sweetness of a festival brings new joy and vigour in life. Thus in individual and collective life, the importance of festivals is tremendous. One should always remember that festivals should be such that all can take part in them without any ostentatious display of wealth, and with an upsurge of their life force. And these festivals should be conducted in such a way that people take part in them from a spontaneous inner urge. I hope that you will make such arrangements so that all are attracted towards your festivals which will be more and more charming — and this will bring about your collective welfare.” (FPS-5, p.18)

So in AM, people participate in all kinds of blissful utsava or ceremonies. Now compare this with the religions where they have various sad events. But in Ananda Marga nothing is sad. Rather, everything is blissful.

Note 4: ALWAYS IN BLISS

When experiencing supposed pain or pleasure, devotees always feel bliss. Bhaktas do not feel any difference between the person who is inflicting pain or who gives pleasure to them. This is exquisitely described in the discourse, “Devotion–The Only Path”, in Ananda Vacanamrtam (Part-5).

********************************
Equal Glamour

Baba says, “People of a particular country die of starvation, and people of another country die due to overeating due to voracity. It is a disparity — it is bad. It is a creation of selfish people, not of Parama Purus’a. The Renaissance movement will have to do something concrete in this respect also. All are equal, with equal glamour as human beings.” (PNS-9, p.43)
********************************

By Your grace, I have understood this fact, that You are remaining always
very close to me. You are my devata’, You are my everything. Knowingly or
unknowingly, I am remaining in Your mind. You are my eternal saviour. Baba,
You are always living with me. It is Your grace…

== STORY: BABA TOLD NOT TO DO FAKE MAHAPRAYAN ==

Namaskar,

The story starts here, which I received.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

I was with Baba in Delhi those days. Once He blessed me the opportunity to
go in His room and personally see Him, to serve Him. And then He started
telling many things about Lord Krishna and the whole incident of Lord
Krishna’s leaving His physical body. And in the end part of Lord Krishna’s
leaving His physical body Baba told that some poisonous arrow pierced into
Lord Krishna’s foot and that was the last…

And by listening to this long story from Baba I was feeling pain. Then
Baba asked, “Why are you feeling pain? I also have to leave My physical
body and you people must not be unhappy.” While Baba was speaking like
this I just put my hand on His mouth and with full pain I requested Him not
to say such things. “I don’t want to hear such painful things about when
You are going to leave Your physical body. Please do not say such things.”

Then Baba started smiling and took my hand away from His mouth and with
love He started convincing me. “First stop crying and then I will tell you
something.”

When I stopped crying He started saying, “All the rules of nature are made
by Parama Purusa and under that rule, one day I have to leave this physical
body. And that day will come when I have finished the work I have decided to
do with this physical body. Try to understand that when Lord Krishna
wanted to make the Great India, the Mahabharata, He made the Pandavas His
medium. And when His work was finished, with His own desire, He left His
physical body. You all are my mini-Babas. When you become like this and
are able to execute My samkalpa, then I will understand that you can
fulfill My work, and so what will be the use of My physical body? When the
work of this physical body is finished then I will leave My physical body, and
I am remain always with you in your heart.”

IDEOLOGY AND DHARMA ARE MOST IMPORTANT

Baba then said, “I only took this physical body to teach you all
practically and to establish Ideology. If Parama Purusa so desires He can
do anything and everything and when He created this physical world He also
made the rules to control this physical world. Prakrti is controlling
everything and so His physical body also has to follow nature’s rules that
He Himself created. Otherwise how will Nature follow its rule properly?”

“Parama Purusa has given certain rules and authority to Nature, to the
Operative Principle to follow, so He is also obeying that rule when He
comes in physical form. If Lord Krishna had so desired, dharma would have
been established even without the complete destruction of the Kaoravas but
it would not have been inspiring history. Actually, Lord Krishna wanted to
teach the public that they should come forward to save dharma and that
happened.”

After Baba’s talk I was again crying and I put my hand on Baba’s mouth and
requested Him, “Baba please do not say such painful things. Listening to
those things, has made me cry so do not say such things. If you so desire
You may leave Your physical body, but promise me that You will not go
before me. You must not leave me.”

After listening to my pain Baba assured me. He said, “What you are
thinking will happen like this. I was in your Guru Cakra, I am in your
Guru Cakra and I always will remain in your Guru Cakra. You people are the
image of My ideology, and the world will know Me by your actions.”

Before leaving the room I asked Baba if He would answer some questions.

On this point, Baba smiled and said, “Whatever you want, you can ask without any
fear.”

BABA BECAME FURIOUS ABOUT QUERY OF PARASATTANANDJI

THAT THE MAHAPRAYAN OF LORD SHIVA AND KRSNA –

CELEBRATED OR NOT

I (Parasattananda) asked Baba, “Why is it that people do not celebrate the
death day of Lord Shiva and Lord Krishna yet people celebrate the birth
ceremony of Lord Krishna?” When I asked Baba this question He became
furious and in a loud voice, Baba scolded me. “Does Parama Purusa die any
time? He is an eternal entity, He never dies.”

When I saw His furious face I started trembling and sweating and I felt
strong repentance for asking such a question. Then Baba said, “Lord
Krishna as well as Lord Shiva is Parama Purusa and for doing great work and
to establish dharma, He comes in physical form and when dharma has been
established, then He leaves His physical body – but I will remain always with you”.
For permanent relief to sadhus, and the complete destruction of bad people,
the Lord comes in human form. And when His work is over, when dharma is
established, He leaves His physical body, but I shall always remain with
you – in your heart.”

“Lord Krishna did the same thing and with His desire, He left His physical
body when His work was finished. Because He is Parama Purusa and eternally
present all the time, then how one can celebrate His death day. He is
Omni-Present. He is Parama Purusa. So there is no question of celebrating
the death day of Lord Shiva and Lord Krishna.”

In the last Baba with strong voice asked me, “When I (Baba) leave My
physical body will you people want to celebrate My death day?”

Listening the commanding voice of Baba I was scared and replied slowly, “No, Baba. ”

After that Baba became mild and He told me “It is getting late at night,
you go and take rest.”

And after I did sastaunga pranam and I quickly escaped from His room and
took a deep breath, and started pondering that how Baba is furious about my
question. Constant idea was hovering in my mind that how HE was furious.

Because of that still I remember the whole episode that His so-called
Mahaprayan must not be celebrated. That is why in my personal life I never
participated. How I can participate and disobey His command and make Him
unhappy. Since a long time I am telling this story to all who I see on
different occasions. That is why since the beginning I have strongly
opposed this so-called Mahaprayan.

——

Here I am quoting some Baba’s direct lines which are highly significant.

Baba says, “Guru rus’te na kaschan….”

‘The meaning of the whole sloka is that when Guru is unhappy then nobody
in this universe can save the person.’

That is why it is also said,

“Mantra mulam…
‘Guru’s words are mantra…’

This is the same reason that happened that Sarvatmanananda disobeyed
Baba on this above said story and look what is going on with his fate.

Note: This story is translated from Dada Parasattanandaji’s book
‘Manavrata ka Sunahala Bhavishya’, which means “The Golden Future of Humanity”.

Dada Parasattanandji is posted in India most of the time. These
days postings and transfers are so common in our Marga but as far as my
awareness in the recent past Dadaji was posted in Bihar. He is a very
respected and good Dada and he is WT since 1967.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Namaskar,
Girish

*****************************************
Lord Baba says:

“The person who is engaged in service, if in his mind this ideation is there,
‘I have served him. Then he should also do something for me. It will be
better.’ That is not good. But rather the one who is serving, in his mind
this feeling should be there: ‘I have come on this earth to serve others.
It is my duty. But no one has any duty towards me.'” (AV-9, Ch 11 [Hindi])

Baba, please come in my heart, in the deep core of my mind. You are my
everything– You are my dhya’na, You are my jinana, You are my Ista. You
are most sacred, holy, and sweetness Personified. Baba, You are the
controller of my entire existence. Keeping Your love and divine guidance
in my heart I am moving on path which You have graciously shown me. By
Your grace I go on remembering Your name constantly. That is my strength
of forward movement. Baba, please grace me by coming in my heart…

== BABA STORY: MARGII SAVED FROM THE JAWS OF DEATH ==

~ TAKING RISK TO PROTECT THE HELPLESS AND HOW BABA SAVES ~

Namaskar,
Here is the story of how Baba saved our margii brother, Harihar Pandey,
from the jaws of death.

YOUNG GIRL’S STRUGGLE AT VASANT PACHANII FESTIVAL

In 1957, Harihar Pandey was holding a clerical post in the Indian
military and was stationed in Panagar of Jabalpur district, Madhya Pradesh.

One of the top offers of his battalion was Major NK, who had a young
daughter studying for her baccalaureate degree.

During Vasant Pachanii festival in the Spring, the daughter was walking
across the military compound when a jeep pulled up alongside her.

At that time, our margii brother Hariharji had just finished his lunch
and was going out for a walk– it was around 1pm. He noticed that up
ahead a jeep had stopped next to a young girl. Initially he did not
think much of it.

Then he saw that the driver of the jeep was grabbing onto the girl’s
hand and pulling her, and the young girl was struggling and trying
desperately to walk in the opposite direction.

Seeing this, Harihar began to run towards the jeep in order to save the
girl.

HARIHAR COMES TO THE SCENE

When he arrived at the scene, then he saw that the young girl was scared
and in tears, and that the driver of the jeep who was grabbing the girl
was none other than Hariharji’s boss, N. Bhattacarya, the 2nd company
commander.

Immediately, Harihar saluted his commander and then pleaded with him to
let the girl go.

Commander Bhattacarya was irritated by Harihar’s arrival and began to
scold him and then he dropped the girl’s hand as he smacked Harihar.

Then Harihar said, ‘If you do not leave the girl alone, then I will drag
you to the ground, sit on your chest, and beat you’.

Hearing this and seeing Harihar’s strength of mind, then Bhattacarya
stood still, and the terrified girl left. After looking into each
other’s eyes, then Commander Bhattacarya and Harihar parted ways.

THAT AFTERNOON

Harihar decided to go directly home where he remained for some hours.
Then he received word that he was to perform guard duty that night in
front of Commmander Bhattacarya’s house. Immediately, Harihar knew that
this was trouble; it was some type of punishment or trick. Because
although he was in the military, Harihar worked in an office and rarely
did things like guard duty, let alone night guard duty in front of
Bhattacarya’s residence. So he knew that he had to be extremely careful.

NIGHT TIME ENCOUNTER

That night, Hariharji was vigilant as he attended his post. He was
keeping alert in all directions. Then sometime after midnight, Harihar
heard someone approaching him from behind.

Harihar turned around and yelled, ‘Stop! Halt!’.

Then Harihar saw that the person approaching him was his boss, Commander
Bhattacarya. So Harihar saluted him.

Then Commander Bhattacarya began his tirade, ‘Who do you think you are?
Why did you come running when I was with that girl? Do you think you are
some kind of moralist?! What is wrong with you!!’.

In this way Commander Bhattarcarya was abusing Harihar.

Then Commander Bhattacarya sneered and said, ‘You know, in the military
it is very easy to kill someone and cover it up’.

In his fury, Bhattacarya continued, ‘I am going to kill you now, bury
you, and then proclaim to one and all that you were trying to escape and
run from your duty. After that I will arrest your entire family.’

Then Bhattacarya took out his revolver and pressed the barrel of the gun
against Harihar’s chest. Bhattacarya’s eyes had the look of murder. The
situation was ugly and tense.

Harihar was standing there totally still, not knowing what to do. Then
from behind him he heard Baba’s voice: ‘Kill him, shoot him, don’t miss,
otherwise he is going to kill you!’.

Harihar wanted to turn around and look towards where the voice was
coming from, but he dare not look back.

Again Baba’s voice came: ‘Take action, kill him, he is going to kill
you, do not delay even one more second!’.

(Note: Decades and years later when Harihar would tell this story, then
when describing Baba’s voice, his body would become full of goosebumps
and his mind would run towards Parama Purusa.)

In that next instant, Harihar somehow reached for his own gun, and before
he could think anything, his own fingers just “pulled the trigger.”

He had shot Bhattacarya, and Commander Bhattacarya fell to the
ground.

Harihar saw his commander lying there and then pointed his gun again and
shot him a second time to ensure he was completely dead.

ALL SOLDIERS COME RUNNING

After the sound of the second gunshot, sirens and alarms were sounded in
that military compound and people came running from all directions. All
the soldiers reached to that place.

They all saw that Commander Bhattacarya had been killed.

Then Harihar crouched down in a fighting stance, loaded his gun, and
forcefully announced, ‘If anyone comes even one stop closer I will shoot!’.

All the soldiers stayed where they were– frozen.

They understood that when Harihar had already killed his commander then
he was capable of doing anything. And from Harihar’s side, he was
thinking that, ‘Already I am going to get capital punishment for killing
my superior, then killing more people will not make things any worse’.
He had nothing more to lose.

The entire situation was totally tense.

Then our margii brother Harihar shouted out, ‘I want your promise that
no one will torture or punish me. I want justice’.

Nobody knew what to do or what to say.

‘I WILL GIVE YOU JUSTICE’

Then the top commander, CF Warden arrived. He was very understanding and
intelligent. He said, ‘I will give you justice. If you are right, if you
are innocent in all of this, I will give you justice, just drop your gun’.

So Harihar put his gun down and was arrested.

He was taken to the military jail and then quickly brought to the judge,
just a few days later.

THE JUDGE’S QUESTION

The judge simply asked him, ‘Did you shoot your commander?’.

Harihar replied, ‘Yes’.

And the hearing with the judge was over.

This went on for weeks. Harihar would get called to the military court,
the judge would ask the same question, and Harihar would give the same
reply.

The whole thing appeared to be hopeless and Harihar began to get
frustrated and wondered why the judge was not asking him for any more
details.

In that desperate mood, Harihar sent one of the new margiis that he had
created, and told him to go to Baba. Harihar instructed Umashankar to
tell Baba that I am in jail and that the situation is not at all good.

GOING TO BABA

Umashankar set out on his journey and reached to where Baba was. As
Umashankar was a new margii, he had never been to see Baba before. This
was his first time and he did not know what to do. Many people were
around and he did not know how he would be able to see Baba.

Before Umashankar could even put forth his request, Baba had asked PS
Dada Satyananda if anyone had come from Panagar.

In that way Umashankar was brought before Baba.

Umshankar was thinking that he would tell Baba all the details and go
over the entire story, but before he could say anything, Baba told,
‘Tell Harihar to do sadhana and everything will be alright’.

Umashankar kept trying to tell Baba more of the details, but each time
Baba would interrupt him and say, ‘Tell Harihar to do sadhana and
everything will be alright’.

Umashankar then returned to Panagar in an unhappy mood. He felt he did
not get to tell Baba anything. Umashankar conveyed to Harihar all that
had transpired during his visit with Baba and Harihar smiled and said,
‘Baba understands everything’.

MORE ABOUT HARIHAR’S TIME IN JAIL

By this time, Harihar had been in jail for a while– a few months had
gone by. He had dreamed of Baba on numerous occasions. Plus every week
he was being called before the judge.

Harihar’s supervisors were telling him to change his statement, but
Harihar refused and insisted that he wanted justice.

FATEFUL MEETING WITH JUDGE

Finally, one day the judge called Harihar and again asked him, ‘Did you
shoot your commander?’.

Then Harihar replied, ‘Your Honor, I want to say something, but I wish
to tell you in a confidential way, not in front of this entire courtroom
crowd’.

The judge cleared the courthouse, and then in a calm, deliberate manner,
Harihar explained the entire course of events to the judge. He told how
he saw the girl, how someone was grabbing her, how that turned out to be
Commander Bhattacarya, how Bhattacarya then threatened him and gave him
night guard duty, and finally about the epic scene in the middle of the
night. All these things he carefully told to the judge.

The judge listened and took notes.

Afterwards, Harihar returned to his cell and the judge began to
investigate the case. Step by step, line by line, he was astonished to
discover that all that Harihar told was true. The judge talked to many
people who confirmed what had happened.

JUDGMENT DAY COMES

On one special day known as judgment day, all the offenders get dressed
in their normal clothes and are allowed to participate in a military
parade and then are brought forth before the judge for the final decision.

When Harihar stood before the judge, many thought that he would be
sentenced to death and hung for killing his supervising officer.

The judge asked all to rise as he spoke: ‘The decision of the court is
not Harihar Pandey is not guilty and he is to be set free under certain
conditions. He is not to have home leave for 5 years, he cannot stay in
any posting for more than 1 month, and he is not to be promoted for ten
years. Under these conditions he is set free’.

Hearing this, everyone cheered and celebrated on Harihar’s behalf.

A BLESSING IN DISGUISE

Even though he was set free, it was generally thought that Harihar would
have to live under a difficult set of rules.

But Harihar thought, ‘Although I may not get home leave for 5 years,
each and every month I will be transferred and in so doing I will be
granted ten days to reach my new post’.

And sure enough, after one month, Harihar received his transfer orders
and had ten days to reach his designation. In that ten day period,
Harihar went straight to Baba, and Baba showered Harihar with immense
love and grace.

During that sweet visit, Baba said, ‘It is duty of a margii to fight for
dharma and that is what you did.’

And so it was that during so many of his monthly transfers, Harihar was
blessed to be able to go see Baba.

Another point in all of this is that if Harihiar had not done this deed
then his jail samskara would have been fulfilled in some other way. So
by doing this act Harihar did two things: (1) He stood up for dharma by
saving a defenseless girl; and (2) he fulfilled his jail samskara.

CONCLUSION

If we follow dharma and fight against injustice then Baba will always
protect us. That is His divine decree. In his life, Harihar stood up for
dharma and protected a defenseless young lady, and by His grace Baba
saved Harihar from the jaws of death.

Baba says, “Men and women are human beings having equal dignity. As the
physical strength of women is less than that of men, the latter should
always endeavour to save the prestige of women. As the mothers of men,
women can claim this much as a right. Special attention should be paid
to the comforts of women during festivals, at spiritual conferences, and
on other occasions.” (CC-1, ‘Social Relationship Between Men and Women’)

Namaskar,
Gurucharan

Note 1: MY ELDER BROTHER

In his book, ‘My Elder Brother’, Manas Ranjan Sarkar, Baba’s younger
brother, tells how one day in his childhood he got into a fight at
school to protect someone, but in turn he himself was beaten up. When he
returned home everyone told him not to engage in fighting and that he
did wrong, but when Baba saw him, Baba praised his younger brother and
said, ‘You did a great job’. Manas Ranjan became so happy hearing this.

So always Baba supports those who uphold dharma– He always supports
those who protect the weak and the helpless.

********************************************
The Only Duty

Parama Purusa BABA says, “The only duty of a human being is to move along
the path of righteousness until he reaches the Supreme Entity, until he
touches the sweet feet of Supreme Entity.” (DMC, Ananda Nagar, 29 May 88)
********************************************

The almighty Parama Purusa, the Traveler of divine effulgence has come
and all the darkness has vanished by His august advent. The lethargy,
drowsiness & staticity have gotten destroyed. The wall & gate of the jail
have been smashed by His grace.

In a flash– blink of an eye– He has destroyed the dogma and crudeness
which had accumulated since hundreds of years. All the clouds of dilemma
have been removed. Now all around the effulgence is spreading and floating
in all the directions.

O’ my friends, family members, brothers and sisters, please do not
remain distant and away. Do not keep yourself separate and alien. Please
come close. Sing and dance with the happiness of the infinite attraction
and inspiration of His divine vibration…

== BABA’S SPECIAL GRACE ==

Namaskar,
It is a well-known and established idea in the mind of each and every
sincere margii that Baba’s grace works in mysterious ways. To understand
His liila is not easy; indeed His grace works very secretly. That is why it is
said, ‘Dharmasya su’ks’ma’ gatih”– Dharma works underneath, behind the
scenes, and goes on working.

THE HOLY ADVENT OF PARAMA PURUSA

When Parama Purusa advents on this earth then that has some great purpose.
And that purpose is to establish dharma in its proper place. And when dharma is
established, then He leaves His physical form. But eternally He resides in
the hearts of devotees.

Those who have a little devotion understand this fact well that dharma has
already been established on this earth. That’s why not only in Ananda Marga
but all around, we can clearly see how sinners are getting annihilated, one
after another, as their misdeeds get exposed. Whereas in the distant past
it was not like that. Negative elements were exploiting the whole society
mercilessly and nobody could dare oppose them. This was the case in most of
the countries and areas of the past. But now, the whole vibration has been
changed. Greater awareness is there even in the minds of the general
public, and of course especially in Ananda Marga this transformation has
taken root.

We should not forget that Mahasambhuti takes the human form only after a
gap of thousands of years. And this time Baba wants to give a special
teaching to the world. Namely that, in the absence of the physical
structure of Mahasambhuti, His vibration is everything. And that alone is
enough to generate and huge flow and give a spiritual blow to the adharmic
forces. And by this way the sadvipra society gets established on this planet.

DURING THE TIME OF LORD SHIVA AND LORD KRSNA

At the time of Lord Shiva, society was so primitive. So, He did everything
wherever He was. The people need that type of direct guidance. And all
along when in battle then everywhere He himself physically fought-in order
to prove “God is with you”.

And at the time of Lord Krsna, society was only a little developed. So even
then people were not believing that God’s grace is something. And they were
also not believing that without the direct involvement of Lord Krsna– or
without His taking up of weapons, the sinners will be destroyed.

So to teach this very thing, that God’s grace is enough, Lord Krsna took a
vow not to take up weapons. His physical presence is enough. And after the
Mahabharat this tendency was developed. In the common society, devotees
started thinking that God’s presence is in the physical sense. That’s why
different types of epics and poems and everything is written in such a way,
that God physically came and did the work.

So today the common Indian society believes this very thing — that God
physically came and did the work. And with the inner force gained by this
belief, they are moving forward.

BABA’S SPECIAL GRACE

But now, Shrii Shrii Anandamurtiji wants to create and give one furthermore
teaching. Specifically that the physical presence of Mahasambhuti is not
needed for managing all the affairs. Rather His grace is enough. He is
present everywhere. Each and every person must have to realize this.

Indeed, it is not hidden to anyone that Baba used to sit in one place–
whether it be Tiljala, Ranchi, jail, or Ananda Nagar– and by that way He
spread the gospel of Ananda Marga to each and every nook and corner of this
entire globe. He sent various disciples as His representatives, first
margiis and then WTs, and they were charged with His vibration. And His
blessings and grace was moving in that way, according to His desire. And
all around Margiis felt linked.

So just by sitting in one room, without even going anywhere, in that way
Baba has established dharma. And there is enough proof that in the absence
of His physical body His grace goes on working. And by seeing His example
in the life one can see that His modus operendi is different from Lord
Krsna. Because at the time of Lord Krsna during each and every event, big
or small, He was physically along with the Pandavas. Even when they went to
kill Duryodana Lord Krsna was there and like that on so many occasions
Krsna was moving right next to the Pandavas.

But in the case of Lord Shrii Shrii Anandamurtiji it is not like that.
Rather He sent out His margii & wt representatives in waves and proclaimed
that ‘Go do the work of dharma, My divine grace is with you’.

So all the workers and margiis who have come in Baba’s contact have
experienced this. And still today one can realise that by doing sadhana,
establishing His ideology, or doing His work in a sincere manner, then
always His grace is there. If anybody is sincere in their efforts then
anything can be done. So in His practical example of running the
organisation, managing pracara, teaching sadhana etc, His grace was only
working. And that is the case before 1990 and after 1990. Always.

So Baba graciously created Ananda Marga Pracaraka Samgha to propagate and
establish His ideology, Ananda Marga.

ANANDA MARGA: BABA’S KINGDOM

Ananda Marga is dharmic. Hypocrisy & duplicity have no room here. This is the
kingdom of BABA. Whoever did anything wrong, right away they became turned
upside down. They fell on the ground, and the chair was on them. It means,
their chair got tilted and their chair sat on them. So the post which they
were holding, that very post boomeranged on them and became the force behind
their own exposure. And that post became the force to make them reap the
consequences of their own negative actions. So the Ananda Marga chair is so
peculiar.

For example, when Sarvatmanandji became the unquestioned king in 1991.
And the wheel of dharma just moved a little, and he was thrown away into
a chasm, somewhere.

And the same thing is going to happen to with anyone who follows such a
negative trend. So all should be alert, because today or tomorrow this is
eternal game is going on. Wherein they are indulging in another type of
tyranny and injustice.

BABA’S UNIQUE PLANNING

Overall we can say that Baba has planned that this very time, His physical
presence is not needed to establish dharma – as was the case in the Mahabharat
battle. In the Mahabharat, although Lord Krsna did not take up arms, but He
was present there in the battle field. This time, Baba wants to teach the
whole society that the grace of Parama Purusa is everything. He is
physically there or not, but His grace is always there.

By different events, the idea will be more and more clear, that God’s grace
is everything. In and invisible way it is that unseen force working behind.
And with this force, dharma is getting established.

Unfortunately, these things society was not believing up to now. Most could
not fathom that the invisible force of Parama Purusa, is everything. Yet when
we analyse the last 14 years’ history of Ananda Marga it is getting clear:
That Baba’s force is doing everything.

And it will only get more clear, gradually. That Baba is not gone. In His
invisible form, He is sitting within our mind. And His vibration, His grace
is working in the entire universe. And the whole physical, psychic and
spiritual field of all the living and non-living flora and fauna are
getting metamorphosed gradually, in the rhythm of AM ideology. And negative
forces are getting annihilated. Nobody can save them. Dharmic people are
not helpless anymore.

AM WILL BE ESTABLISHED EVERYWHERE

Those who still do not have faith on this, they will see that by this
metamorphosis, in the entire society Ananda Marga philosophy is going to be
established. In the very near future. Let alone inside Ananda Marga.

And those who are spreading the nuisance of groupism, they may be Bengali
group etc, Baba will throw them out. Now it may not be clear, what way they
will be thrown out. Same way it was not clear when Dada Sarvatmanandji was
in power in 1992-3. Everyone was thinking that he will rule Ananda Marga up
to the end. With vanity he was busy in curtailing Margii rights, and doing
distortion of Baba’s many discourses. Nowadays if anyone is also following
the groupist path of any factional agenda, then they will meet a similar
blackish fate.

So like this everything is now moving in proper flow; Baba is taking care.
As changes have come in the past, in the same way with His force,
everything will be alright. This Ananda Marga is made by Baba, and He is
managing all the things. Dharma is on the rise and negative, groupist
persons will not have any place in Ananda Marga in the near future.

We should convince one and all to give up any groupist tendencies
and adopt the ways of neo-humanism. That is where their welfare
and victory lie.

Clutching onto the fray of groupism is not good for anyone, their demise
is impending.

BABA’S BLESSING

Here follow is Baba’s blessing:

Baba says, “In order to annihilate evil doers and restore dharma, Parama
Purusa showers His especial grace and compassion. This special effort is
necessary because the place of dharma is above all else. Its importance is
greater than that of anything else. For those who put dharma above
everything else, their victory is assured.” (AV-22 Hindi)

Namaskar,
Shantatma

Note: THE WHEEL OF DHARMA

How the wheel of dharma is moving so fast; it is incredible.

For example:

Communists started exploiting in 1917. And their hypocrisy and tyranny went
on for several decades, in an uninterrupted way. Almost 75 years total and
then later on, they got annihilated.

Today, so many politicians are getting exposed through their ill deeds when
in the past politicians were trusted as second gods.

And so many unjust elements of life are getting exposed. Due to His sweet
grace, society is becoming more evolved and can see what is right and wrong.
In that process, rightousness prevails and those ill-doers lose their face
in society. Those following dharma have His grace and get success whereas
those involved in selfish agendas that run contrary to universal welfare
get exposed and meet defeat – due to their own wrongdoings. Dharma will
not support this misdeeds any longer.

We see this happening both inside and outside of AM. His grace is
dictating the flow in all directions.

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Origin of Few Musical Instruments

Baba says, “”Our tabla is a metamorphosed form of this mrdaunga. Some
people believe that the tabla came from Persia but this is not the case;
the tabla originated in this country. From Persia we have gotten the sitar
and the gazal. Although the viin’ originated in this country and has been
here since the time of Shiva, we have gotten its descendant, the violin,
from Italy.” (SC-2, p.128)
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